Lining dispensing portable enclosures

ABSTRACT

Embodiments conveyed herein seek to disclose an apparatus, system, and method to protect an epithelial layer from surface contaminants. The apparatus can include a portable enclosure that includes an internal space(s). At least one deployable covering can be affixed to a surface of one of the internal spaces. The apparatus can have a deployed state and a closed state. The deployable covering may extend distal to the portable enclosure in the “deployed” state and may be positioned within the internal space in the closed state. The system can include a bench having at least one functional surface and the apparatus can be positioned proximate to functional surfaces. Deployable coverings may be positioned adjacent to and coplanar with functional surfaces. The method can include converting the apparatus from closed to deployed and positioning the deployable covering(s) adjacent to and coplanar with at least one functional surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/718,105 filed Aug. 13, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable enclosures and specifically to lining dispensing portable enclosures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Environmental surfaces were once thought to play a negligible role in the transmission of pathogens. However, recent data indicate that contaminated surfaces play an important role in the transmission of certain pathogens that cause infections. Even more, transmission routes of pathogens are complicated and difficult to investigate. Contaminated surfaces may be the result of exposure to grease, oil, dirt, mold, fungus, feces, body tissue, other biological material, as well as chemical irritants. Surface preparation is typically needed to remove the surface contaminants to achieve an increase in surface cleanliness. Cleaning practices that remove the various types of contamination present on the surface need to be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top left perspective view of a lining dispensing portable enclosure in a “closed” state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a top right perspective view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in the “closed” state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a top front perspective view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in a “open” state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a top rear perspective view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in the “open” state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a top front perspective view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in a “deployed” state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom front perspective view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in the “deployed” state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for enabling protection of an epithelial layer from surface contaminants, in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 depict a side view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in an “undrawn” state, in accordance with other embodiments.

FIG. 9 depict a side view of the lining dispensing portable enclosure in a “drawn” state, in accordance with still other embodiments.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Certain terminology may be employed in the following description for convenience rather than for any limiting purpose. For example, the terms “forward” and “rearward,” “front” and “rear,” “right” and “left,” “upper” and “lower,” and “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made, with the terms “inward,” “inner,” “interior,” or “inboard” and “outward,” “outer,” “exterior,” or “outboard” referring, respectively, to directions toward and away from the center of the referenced element, the terms “radial” or “horizontal” and “axial” or “vertical” referring, respectively, to directions or planes which are perpendicular, in the case of radial or horizontal, or parallel, in the case of axial or vertical, to the longitudinal central axis of the referenced element, and the terms “downstream” and “upstream” referring, respectively, to directions in and opposite that of fluid flow. By way of illustration, the term “bench” or “benches” designate surfaces utilized by mammals for sitting, lying, leaning, or resting their person, with the term “functional surface” referring to surfaces of a bench utilized by mammals for sitting, lying, leaning, or resting their person, with the term “non-functional surface” referring to the surfaces of benches not utilized by mammals for sitting, lying, leaning, or resting their person, which include, but are not limited to, bottom surfaces. Terminology of similar import other than the words specifically mentioned above likewise is to be considered as being used for purposes of convenience rather than in any limiting sense.

As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

All illustrations of the drawings are to be describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All references of user or users can pertain to either individual or individuals who would utilize the present invention.

Embodiments conveyed herein seek to disclose an apparatus, system, and method to protect an epithelial layer from surface contaminants. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a portable enclosure that includes one or more internal spaces. At least one deployable covering can be affixed to a surface of one of the internal spaces. The apparatus can have a “deployed” state and a “closed” state. The deployable covering may extend distal to the portable enclosure in the “deployed” state. The deployable covering can be positioned within the internal space in the “closed” state.

In other embodiments, the system can include a bench having at least one functional surface. The apparatus of claim 1 can be positioned proximate to at least one of the functional surfaces. Deployable coverings may each be positioned adjacent to and coplanar with the functional surfaces. In yet still other embodiments, the method can include converting the apparatus of claim 1 from a “closed” state to “deployed” state and positioning the deployable covering(s) adjacent to and coplanar with at least one functional surface of a bench(s).

Environmental surfaces were once thought to play a negligible role in the transmission of pathogens. However, recent data indicate that contaminated surfaces play an important role in the transmission of certain pathogens that cause infections. Even more, transmission routes of pathogens are complicated and difficult to investigate. Contaminated surfaces may be the result of exposure to grease, oil, dirt, mold, feces, fungus, body tissue, other biological material, as well as chemical irritants. Surface preparation is typically needed to remove or reduce the incidence of surface contaminants to achieve sufficient surface “cleanliness.” Cleaning practices that remove the various types of contamination present on the surface typically need to be used.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide lining dispensing portable enclosures. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a top left and top right perspective view of a lining dispensing portable enclosure, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments. Enclosure 100 is a portable structure that can house a deployable covering, in accordance with some embodiments. In other embodiments, securing components may be affixed to the sides of enclosure 100 to, for example, maintain a “closed” state thereof and/or carrying enclosure 100. For example, securing component 130 a can have a proximate end that is rotatably attached to the left side of enclosure 100. Securing component 130 a may include one or more fastening components 140 a affixed to its distal end. Securing component 130 a may have a proximate end that is directly and functionally coupled to the left side of enclosure 100 via fastener 150 a, in accordance with some embodiments. In some aspects, securing component 130 a can utilize fastener 150 a to swing in a common plane with the front or the back of enclosure 100.

In yet still other embodiments, fastening component 140 a can include a complementary coupling structure that pairs with another complementary coupling structure included in securing component 140 b included on the distal end of fastening component 130 b. For example, the other complementary coupling structure may be positioned on a surface of enclosure 100, for example, top, bottom, left, right, front back surfaces. In some embodiments, securing components 130 a and/or 140 b may have axial flexibility along one or more of its length (e.g., a non-rigid structure). In other embodiments, securing components 130 a and/or 140 b are substantially rigid. In certain aspects, securing component 130 b similarly functions and interconnects similar to securing component 130 a, as reflected in FIG. 2.

For example, cover 160 can be demountably affixed to enclosure 100 to provide a covering for the internal space of enclosure 100. In certain embodiments, cover 160 can include a longitudinal side rotatably affixed to a side of enclosure 100. Here, for example, cover 160 can rotate about its longitudinal axis in a first direction and extend over the internal space to assume a closed state as well as rotate in a second direction (e.g., that opposed the second direction) and retract from/expose internal space 320.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a top front and top rear perspective view of the portable enclosure in the “open” state, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments. In certain embodiments, in the “closed” state, cover 160 can be rotated via its longitudinal side away from main body 110 to expose internal space 320 and thereby assume the “open” position. In other aspects, internal space 320 can include one or more receptacles 310 affixed to one or more internal surfaces of internal space 320. For example, receptacle 310 can utilize a surface of internal space 320 to form a receptacle wall therewith (e.g., receptacle 310 is integrated with and shares a surface with internal space 320).

In some embodiments, receptacle 310 can include a first end that is open (i.e. the receiving portion) and a second end that is closed. For example, the second end may be coupled to a surface of internal space 320. In other instances, receptacle 310 can include one or more sides, walls, and/or surfaces that incorporate a surface(s) of internal space 320. In some aspects, receptacle 310 can receive user items for convenience. For example, users can utilize receptacles 310 to hold various items (e.g., keys, communication devices, currency, and/or similar items). In yet still other aspects, main body 110 can include one or more securing components 340 positioned on main body 110 on a surface opposite cover 160.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict side views of the lining dispensing portable enclosure reflecting securing component 340 in “undrawn” and “drawn” positions, respectively, in accordance with certain aspects. In some aspects, securing components 340 can be a drawstring positioned about peripheral lip 810 of main body 110 proximate to internal space 320. For example, securing components 340 can be a length of threading passing through internal passageway 820 and having left and right lengths of threading exiting through left and right apertures of internal passageway 820, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the threading is slidable within passageway 820, and acts as a drawstring for main body 110. In some aspects, as a drawstring, when securing component 340 is in an “undrawn” position, main body 110 is accessible, and when securing component 340 is in a “drawn” position, main body 110 inaccessible.

In this manner, when securing component 340 is in a “drawn” position, main body 110 can assume a “closed” position, and when securing component 340 is in “undrawn” position, main body 110 can assume an “opened” position. For example, an end of a bench can be at least partially positioned within internal space 320 while main body 110 is accessible and securing component 340 can assume the “drawn” position to secure main body 110 around the bench end partially positioned within internal space 320. Here, securing component 340 can secure main body 110 to the end of the bench in the “drawn” position, and thereby reduce the ability of main body 110 to slip off of the end of the bench. In other aspects, securing component 340 can include one or more cord fasteners 830, where each end of the length of threading can be threaded through a cord fastener 830.

In certain aspects, securing component 340 can be a fastening structure having two flexible strips of metal, plastic, or a combination of the two, with interlocking projections closed or opened by pulling a slide component along them. For example, when the slide component is pulled in a first direction, securing component 340 can assume an “opened” position and when the slide component is pulled in a second direction, securing component 340 can assume a “closed” position. In this manner, when securing component 340 is in a “closed” position, main body 110 can assume a “closed” position, and when securing component 340 is in “open” position, main body 110 can assume an “opened” position. For example, securing component 340 can be a zipper, zip-lock, clasp locker, slide fastener, or a device for demountably binding the edges of structures (e.g., flexible materials).

In some embodiments, securing component 340 can be a complementary coupling part that cooperates with another complementary securing component 350 to demountably secure an end of cover 160 to main body 110. For example, applicable complementary coupling parts include, but are not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, zipper, buttons, magnets, similar components for demountably attaching or connecting elements, or a combination of two or more thereof.

FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a top front and bottom front perspective view of the portable enclosure in a “deployed” state, respectively, in accordance with certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, enclosure 100 can have median plane symmetry (herein represented by dashed line A), wherein components and/or elements present on one side of dashed line A are present on the other side of dashed line A. In some embodiments, deployable covering 330 can have a proximate end secured to a surface of internal space 320. For example, deployable covering 330 can be demountably affixed to one or more surfaces of internal space 320 via one or more demountable fasteners (e.g., zippers, buttons, hook-and-loop systems, magnets, components that demountably couple elements together via shifting the components towards each other in substantially a common plane and fastening together with a click).

In yet still other embodiments, deployable covering 330 can deploy distal to main body 110 and thereby assume its “deployed” state. For example, deployable covering 330 may be present within internal space 320 in a folded stated, wherein deployable covering 330 is longitudinally bent over or doubled up so that one part lies on another part. In some aspects, in its “deployed” state, deployable covering 330 can function as a barrier that attenuates the flow of material (e.g., biological fluids and material, bacteria, viruses, or a combination of two or more thereof) between the user and the structure upon which deployable covering 330 rests (e.g., the bench). For instance, one or more surfaces of the components of lining dispensing portable enclosure 100 (e.g., deployable covering 330) can be coated with an antimicrobial material and thereby exhibit antimicrobial characteristics. For example, applicable antimicrobial material can include, but are not limited to, silver ions, zinc, copper, hydrogen peroxide, organic acids, phenolic biocides, quaternary ammonium compounds, fungicides, and similar antimicrobial material. In certain embodiments, one or more surfaces of the components of lining dispensing portable enclosure 100 can be coated with Silvadur™ distributed by Dupont Industrial Biosciences, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In some embodiments, one or more components of lining dispensing portable enclosure 100 can include material made with absorbent characteristics.

For example, applicable materials made with absorbent characteristics can include, but are not limited to, synthetic fibers finer than one denier or decitex/thread, having a diameter of less than ten micrometers; materials that can absorb up to seven time their weight in water; materials that can dry one-third the time of traditional cotton cloths; or a combination of two or more of the aforementioned characteristics. The synthetic fibers can include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polyamides, a conjugation of polyester, polyamides, and polypropylenes.

In some embodiments, deployable covering 330 can include one or more pairs of binding elements 510 affixed to its longitudinal sides. For example, each instance of binding element 510 can be positioned on a longitudinal side of deployable covering 330 directly opposing another instance of binding element 510 positioned on the opposing lateral side. In other embodiments, pairs of binding elements 510 can demountably attach to each other via demountable fasteners. Applicable demountable fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, zipper, buttons, magnets, components that demountably couple elements together via shifting the components towards each other in substantially a common plane and fastening together with a click, similar fasteners for demountably coupling elements, or a combination of two or more thereof. In some aspects, demountable fasteners can be positioned along the length of binding elements 510. In other aspects, demountable fasteners can be positioned on the distal end of binding elements 510 (see fasteners 520).

Not to be limited by the embodiments disclosed, lining dispensing portable enclosure 100 can be utilized as a portable re-useable barrier to shield users from gym equipment surfaces during usage. For example, a common gym etiquette rule entails the cleaning of exercise equipment (e.g., sitting, leaning, resting bench surfaces) prior to use and thereafter, since exercise benches can become unhygienic when used by numerous gym members. Gym facilities may provide disposable wipes and cleaning objects to allow users to clean the exercise benches after their usage. However, this etiquette is not always followed, which may result in unhygienic surfaces for the subsequent users. In the same vein, it can be time-consuming to repeatedly clean and sanitize exercise benches before use. Even more, gym members can lose their position in the queue for a machine if they leave the immediate area to locate a disposable wipe station to retrieve disposable wipes.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for enabling protection of an epithelial layer from surface contaminants, in accordance with certain embodiments. The lining dispensing portable enclosure is converted from a “closed” state to an “open” state (Step 710). At step 720, the deployable covering is positioned adjacent to and coplanar with a functional surface(s) of a bench (Step 720). A first binding element of the deployable covering and/or a second binding element of the deployable covering is extended across a non-functional surface of the bench (Step 730). At step 740, the first binding element is demountably coupled to the second binding element, thereby securing the lining dispensing portable enclosure to the bench. One or more surfaces of the deployable covering is coated with an antimicrobial material (Step 750). At step 760, one or more surfaces of the portable enclosure is coated with one or more antimicrobial materials.

Embodiments of conveyed herein seek to disclose an apparatus, system, and method to protect an epithelial layer from surface contaminants. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a portable enclosure that includes one or more internal spaces. At least one deployable covering can be affixed to a surface of one of the internal spaces. The apparatus can have a “deployed” state and a “closed” state. The deployable covering may extend distal to the portable enclosure in the “deployed” state. The deployable covering can be positioned within the internal space in the “closed” state. The deployable covering may include at least one first lateral side and at least one second lateral side. The deployable covering can include at least one first binding element affixed to a first lateral side and at least one second binding element affixed to a second lateral side. First binding elements may demountably couple to second binding elements.

At least one securing component can be rotatably coupled to an external surface of the portable enclosure. Securing components may extend distal to the external surface of the portable enclosure. At least one securing component can be coupled to an external surface of the portable enclosure. Each securing component may extend distal to the external surface of the portable enclosure. In the same vein, each securing component may have axial flexibility along one or more of its length.

At least one securing component can include a first end and a second end, the first end may be coupled to and extend distal to an external surface(s) of the portable enclosure. The second end can include at least one first fastening element. Fastening elements can include at least one first structure and at least one second structure. First structures can be complementary to second structures. Second fastening elements can be positioned on the external surface(s) or on another securing component coupled to the external surface. One or more receptacles can be positioned within the internal spaces and coupled to at least one surface of the internal space. Deployable coverings can each include one or more surfaces each having one or more antimicrobial coatings.

In other embodiments, the system can include a bench having at least one functional surface. The lining dispensing portable enclosure can be positioned proximate to at least one of the functional surfaces. Deployable coverings may each be positioned adjacent to and coplanar with the functional surfaces. Each deployable covering can include at least one first lateral side and second lateral side. Each first lateral side can include one or more first binding elements. Each second lateral side can include one or more second binding elements. First and second binding elements may each extend across at least one of the non-functional surfaces of the bench and may be demountably coupled to each other. First binding element can have axial flexibility along one or more of its length. Each second binding element can have axial flexibility along one or more of its length.

The system can also include one or more securing components that can each include at least one first end and second end. Each of the first ends can be coupled to and extend distal to at least one external surface of the portable enclosure. Each of the second ends can can include at least one second fastening element. Each first fastening element can include a first structure(s) that is complementary to the second structure(s) of each second fastening element(s). Second fastening elements can be positioned on the external surface(s) or on other securing components that are coupled to the external surface(s). Deployable coverings can include one or more surfaces that each may include an antimicrobial coating(s).

In yet still other embodiments, the method can include converting the lining dispensing portable enclosure from a “closed” state to “deployed” state and positioning the deployable covering(s) adjacent to and coplanar with at least one functional surfaces of a bench(s). The method can further include, extending one or more first binding elements and second binding elements of the deployable covering across at least one non-functional surface of the bench(s). The method can also include securing the apparatus of claim 1 to the bench(s) by demountably coupling the first binding element(s) to the second binding element(s). In addition, the method can include coating at least one surface of each deployable covering with an antimicrobial material(s). Further, the method can include coating at least one surface of the portable enclosure with an antimicrobial material(s).

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for protecting an epithelial layer from surface contaminants, comprising: a portable enclosure comprising an internal space; a deployable covering affixed to a surface of the internal space; and wherein the apparatus comprises a deployed state and a closed state; the deployable covering extends distal to the portable enclosure in the deployed state; and the deployable covering is positioned within the internal space in the closed state.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deployable covering comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral side; the deployable covering comprises a first binding element affixed to the first lateral side and a second binding element affixed to the second lateral side; and the first binding element demountably couples to the second binding element.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a securing component rotatably coupled to an external surface of the portable enclosure; and wherein the securing component extends distal to the external surface of the portable enclosure.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a securing component coupled to an external surface of the portable enclosure; and wherein the securing component extends distal to the external surface of the portable enclosure; and comprises axial flexibility along a length of the securing component.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a securing component comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to and extending distal to an external surface of the portable enclosure, the second end comprising a first fastening element; and wherein the first fastening element comprises a first structure complementary to a second structure of a second fastening element; and the second fastening element is positioned on the external surface or on another securing component coupled to the external surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle positioned within the internal space and functionally coupled to a surface of the internal space.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deployable covering comprises a surface; and the surface comprises an antimicrobial coating.
 8. A system for enabling protection an epithelial layer from surface contaminants comprising: a bench comprising a functional surface; the apparatus of claim 1 positioned proximate to the functional surface; and wherein the deployable covering is positioned adjacent to and coplanar with the functional surface.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the deployable covering comprises a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the first lateral side comprising a first binding element, the second lateral side comprising a second binding element; and the first binding element and the second binding element extend across a non-functional surface of the bench and are demountably coupled to each other.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein one or more of the first binding element comprises axial flexibility along a length of the first binding element; and the second binding element comprises axial flexibility along a length of the second binding element.
 11. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a securing component comprising a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to and extending distal to an external surface of the portable enclosure, the second end comprising a second fastening element; and wherein the first fastening element comprises a first structure complementary to a second structure of a second fastening element; and the second fastening element is positioned on the external surface or on another securing component coupled to the external surface.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the deployable covering comprises a surface; and the surface comprises an antimicrobial coating.
 13. A method for enabling protection of an epithelial layer from surface contaminants comprising: converting the apparatus of claim 1 from closed state to deployed state; and positioning the deployable covering adjacent to and coplanar with a functional surface of a bench.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: extending one or more of a first binding element of the deployable covering and a second binding element of the deployable covering across a non-functional surface of the bench; and demountably coupling the first binding element to the second binding element and thereby securing the apparatus of claim 1 to the bench.
 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising coating a surface of the deployable covering with an antimicrobial material.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising coating a surface of the portable enclosure with an antimicrobial material. 